Wine Country Sewer Project: How It Affects Areas Near GlenOak Hills
The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) announced its Wine Country Sewer project as part of a broader initiative to modernize wastewater infrastructure in Temecula’s Wine Country. While initial plans projected construction to begin in summer 2024, there has been little visible activity around GlenOak Hills, leading to questions about the project’s current status.
EMWD Flyer
Project Overview and Boundaries
The Wine Country Sewer project is set to install 14,000 linear feet of sewer lines in northern Wine Country, focusing on:
Rancho California Road
Glen Oaks Road
Warren Road
East Benton Road
Though GlenOak Hills is serviced by Rancho Water and will not be directly connected to the new system, nearby infrastructure changes, particularly along Glen Oaks Road, could affect the area over time.
Delayed Start of Construction
Originally planned for summer 2024, it appears that construction has yet to visibly begin near GlenOak Hills. It’s possible that EMWD has experienced delays in permitting, funding allocation, or other logistical issues common in large infrastructure projects. Residents should expect updates from EMWD on when construction will officially commence, especially along major nearby roads like Glen Oaks Road.
Who Will Benefit
While GlenOak Hills itself won’t be part of the new sewer system, nearby wineries, businesses, and new developments along Glen Oaks Road and other key routes will benefit from the project. The centralized sewer system is designed to replace older septic systems, enabling these businesses to grow without being restricted by wastewater limitations.
Funding and Support
The Wine Country Sewer project has a total budget of $28.5 million, with funding sources including $9.1 million from the County of Riverside (via the American Rescue Plan Act) and $2 million from the EPA through State and Tribal Assistance Grants. While the construction timeline may be delayed, the project is still actively seeking additional funding, including $2 million from Assembly District 71.
What GlenOak Hills Residents Should Know
Since GlenOak Hills is not directly connected to the project, residents should only experience minor disruptions from construction activity, particularly on Glen Oaks Road. However, as construction appears to be delayed, it’s unclear when these disruptions may occur. EMWD is expected to provide further updates on the adjusted timeline.
Conclusion
Though the Wine Country Sewer project was originally slated to begin in summer 2024, residents of GlenOak Hills have yet to see any visible construction activity nearby. As the project moves forward, EMWD is likely to release new updates, particularly regarding any potential impacts on the GlenOak Hills area.
For more information or the latest status updates, visit www.emwd.org or contact Nicolette Jonkhoff, EMWD Grants Program Manager, at 951.928.3777.